In the previous project period, we performed an extensive analysis of the 8p11-p12 amplicon in human breast cancer cell lines and tissues to identify and validate novel breast cancer oncogenes. Using statistical analysis of copy number increase and over expression, we identified a subset of 21 genes as candidate oncogenes. Next, we directly tested the transforming function of these genes in human mammary epithelial cells. From these experiments, we identified four genes that are potently transforming in MCF-10A cells and three other genes with more modest transforming function. The most potently transforming genes identified, which include DDHD2, SPFH2, LSM1 and WHSC1L1, induce growth factor independent proliferation, anchorage-independent growth, invasive capacity, and altered morphogenesis in Matrigel. In addition, we identified gene combinations that effect the expression of transformed phenotypes. In the next phase of this work, we will perform experiments to understand the mechanistic basis for the transforming potential of these oncogenes, and we will examine their transforming function in human breast cancer cells in vitro, and in human and mouse mammary epithelial cells in vivo.
The specific aims of the work in the next project period are: 1) To determine if the seven genes that induce transformed phenotypes in MCF-10A cells are directly transforming, and to determine if transformation is a common or a rare event in cells over expressing the oncogene;2) To determine if the genes from the 8p11 region that are amplified and over expressed in human breast cancer cell lines are required for growth and survival of these breast cancer cells compared with normal mammary epithelial cells or breast cancer cells without the amplicon. We will also test the hypothesis that some oncogenes on the 8p11 amplicon cooperate to influence the transformed growth potential of human breast cancer cells;3) To determine the influence of 8p11 oncogene over expression in the in vivo growth potential of human mammary epithelial cells, and to determine if these oncogenes can transform mouse mammary epithelial cells in vivo;4) To test the hypothesis that over expression of the short isoform of WHSC1L1 alters the histone methylation code and gene expression profile, resulting in cells that exhibit properties of tumor initiating cells, including enhanced self-renewal capacity, expression of markers of cancer stem cells, and ability to form mammospheres in culture. We will also test the hypothesis that induction of these altered phenotypes requires an intact PWWP domain and does not require the SET domain of the protein. It is essential to demonstrate unequivocally that newly discovered 8p11 transforming genes are bone fide breast cancer oncogenes, and to elucidate the mechanism by which they induce cell transformation in order to develop therapeutic strategies that target these oncogenes.

Public Health Relevance

This project is aimed at developing a mechanistic understanding of newly discovered breast cancer oncogenes. New targeted drugs against cancer are most effective clinically when they attack the products of oncogenes that are responsible for cancer development. In order to develop new therapeutic strategies against breast cancer, it is essential that we clearly identify the oncogenes that drive the disease in different patients, and develop therapeutic strategies to more effectively treat patients with breast cancer. The work in this grant is directly relevant to the development of new targeted drugs against breast cancer.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01CA100724-12
Application #
8680170
Study Section
Cancer Genetics Study Section (CG)
Program Officer
Okano, Paul
Project Start
2003-06-01
Project End
2015-05-31
Budget Start
2014-06-01
Budget End
2015-05-31
Support Year
12
Fiscal Year
2014
Total Cost
$332,687
Indirect Cost
$91,656
Name
Medical University of South Carolina
Department
Pathology
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
183710748
City
Charleston
State
SC
Country
United States
Zip Code
29425
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Irish, Jonathan C; Mills, Jamie N; Turner-Ivey, Brittany et al. (2016) Amplification of WHSC1L1 regulates expression and estrogen-independent activation of ER? in SUM-44 breast cancer cells and is associated with ER? over-expression in breast cancer. Mol Oncol 10:850-65
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Yang, Zeng-Quan; Liu, Gang; Bollig-Fischer, Aliccia et al. (2009) Methylation-associated silencing of SFRP1 with an 8p11-12 amplification inhibits canonical and non-canonical WNT pathways in breast cancers. Int J Cancer 125:1613-21
Arias-Romero, Luis E; Saha, Sayanti; Villamar-Cruz, Olga et al. (2009) Activation of Src by protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B Is required for ErbB2 transformation of human breast epithelial cells. Cancer Res 69:4582-8
Willmarth, Nicole E; Baillo, Andrea; Dziubinski, Michele L et al. (2009) Altered EGFR localization and degradation in human breast cancer cells with an amphiregulin/EGFR autocrine loop. Cell Signal 21:212-9
Streicher, K L; Yang, Z Q; Draghici, S et al. (2007) Transforming function of the LSM1 oncogene in human breast cancers with the 8p11-12 amplicon. Oncogene 26:2104-14

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